Architectural opening coverings powered by rotary motors

ABSTRACT

Example architectural opening coverings powered by rotary motors are described. An example architectural opening covering apparatus includes a rotatable member, a covering mounted to the rotatable member, a motor having a drive shaft which is capable of rotating the rotatable member in a first direction to raise the covering and in a second direction opposite the first direction to lower the covering, and a drive shaft coupling substantially preventing the motor from applying torque in the second direction.

BACKGROUND

Architectural opening coverings such as roller blinds provide shadingand privacy. Such coverings typically include a motorized roller tubeconnected to covering fabric, which may be slatted or louvered. Thefabric can be fitted with a bottom rail and optionally run through apair of opposing vertical frame or track members, one for each side edgeof the fabric, so that the fabric raises and falls in a designated pathand is not subjected to motion from, for example, blowing wind.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Example implementations of architectural opening coverings will bedescribed through the use of the accompanying drawings, which are not tobe considered as limiting, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a prior art motor;

FIG. 2 illustrates another prior art motor;

FIG. 3A illustrates a configuration for limiting the retraction of aroller type architectural opening covering;

FIG. 3B illustrates a configuration for limiting the drop of a rollertype architectural opening covering;

FIG. 3C illustrates another configuration for limiting the drop of aroller type architectural opening covering;

FIG. 3D illustrates another configuration for limiting the drop of aroller type architectural opening covering;

FIG. 3E illustrates another configuration for limiting the drop of aroller type architectural opening covering;

FIG. 4 illustrates a torque limiting motor configuration;

FIG. 5 illustrates a torque limiting motor coupling;

FIG. 6 illustrates the prior art motor of FIG. 1 fitted with the torquelimiting motor coupling of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 illustrates another torque limiting motor configuration;

FIG. 8 illustrates the prior art motor of FIG. 2 fitted with the torquelimiting motor configuration of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is an exploded view of a covering assembly configuration whichincludes the torque limiting motor coupling of FIG. 5 and aquick-release slip-ring;

FIG. 10 a is an elevational view of the proximate portion of theassembly of FIG. 9, with sectional lines B-B;

FIG. 10 b is a cross sectional plan view of the assembly of FIG. 9 alongsectional lines B-B identified in FIG. 10 a;

FIG. 10 c is a plan view of the of the assembly of FIG. 9, withsectional lines D-D;

FIG. 10 d is a cross sectional view of the axial proximate end of theassembly of FIG. 9 along sectional lines D-D identified in FIG. 10 c,illustrating the torque limiting motor coupling and the distal sidebracket in the background;

FIG. 11 is a magnified cross sectional view of the proximate end of theassembly as illustrated in FIG. 10 b;

FIG. 12 is a magnified version of FIG. 10 d, illustrating the torquelimiting motor coupling and the distal side bracket in the background;

FIG. 13 illustrates the motor of FIG. 9 powered by batteries rather thanthrough the quick-release slip-ring;

FIG. 14 is a magnified cross sectional view of the distal end of theassembly as illustrated in FIG. 10 c, which illustrates thequick-release slip-ring;

FIG. 15 illustrates a prior art window treatment fitted with the torquelimiting motor coupling of FIG. 5; and

FIG. 16 is a magnified view of the motor and torque limiting motorcoupling illustrated in FIG. 15.

FIGS. 17-20 are flowcharts illustrating example methods to controloperation of a roller type architectural opening covering.

FIG. 21

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To lower a roller type architectural opening covering such as a blindwith a weighted rail, the weight of the rail, as well as the integralweight of any unwound covering fabric, is sufficient to draw the fabricfrom a roller tube. Accordingly, the motor torque used to unwind thecovering is utilized to prevent this weight from unwinding the coveringat an uncontrolled rate. Therefore, the resultant direction of torqueapplied by a motor during an unwinding process tends in a directionwhich opposes the unwinding of the covering (i.e., in the windingdirection).

Typical motors employed in architectural opening coverings are capableof applying motor torque in the unwind direction. This can result inproblems if an obstruction is encountered. Examples of problems in atypical outdoor blind include accumulated debris in the blind head-rail,such as ice, leaves, a bird's nest, etc., which prevent unwinding of theblind at the source.

Coverings in a track can present other obstacles, such as an obstructionin the track path. These obstructions can be any of those mentioned orcan be, e.g., permanent obstructions in an outdoor blind such as awindow mounted air conditioner, etc. Faced with such obstructions, abottom rail would come to rest on the obstruction while the weight ofthe covering fabric would cause it to bunch up in the tracks.

The application of motor torque in the unwinding direction, during anobstructed unwinding operation, causes the motor to continue to unwindfabric despite the fact that the fabric is constrained. For coveringsobstructed in the head-rail, unwinding under motor torque can unravelfabric around the roller tube until the head-rail is jammed withmaterial (fabric and material are used interchangeably herein). Forcoverings obstructed in a track, unwinding with motor torque can causefabric to jam in a head-rail as well as push the material out of thetrack and/or jam the material in the track. This is more serious than ina configuration without a track, where less damage is likely to occur bythe continued free flowing of fabric out of a head-rail.

In view of the above challenges, when unwinding a rotary typearchitectural opening covering, some examples disclosed herein provide aroller motor configuration which is unable to apply torque in theunwinding direction. Without the application of torque in the unwindingdirection, the fabric, with its weight supported by an obstruction, willnot continue to unwind from the roller tube.

Roller motors are also faced with challenges when winding a covering.During the winding process, if an obstruction prevents successfulwinding, an opposing torque is generated around the roller tube.Continued winding can strain the motor due to an excessive electricalcurrent draw. Tearing of the covering fabric is also possible by aforced winding action.

In view of the above challenges, when winding a covering, some examplesdisclosed herein provide a roller motor configuration that slips againsta roller tube upon being subjected to a threshold level of opposingtorque during a winding operation.

Electrically connecting a roller motor at an architectural opening canalso create problems. One type of prior art motor for powering a rollerblind is motor 10, illustrated in FIG. 1.

With this and each additional illustration in this document, the motorcomponents will be referenced in polar coordinates. For example, theaxial coordinate runs along the longitudinal axis of the motor 10, theradial coordinate runs perpendicularly thereto and the circumferentialcoordinate runs in a circular direction in an end view of the motor 10.With the motor 10 in a plan view, “axial proximate” or “proximate” meanscloser to the right side of the figure. On the other hand, “axialdistal” or “distal” means further from the right side of the figure.

The motor 10 includes a housing 12 with proximate 14 and distal 16 axialends. Within the housing is a stationary motor 18. Connected to a distalend 20 of the motor is a proximate end 22 of a gearbox 24. Connected toa distal end 26 of the gearbox 24 is a proximate end 28 of a drive shaft30.

A distal end 32 of the drive shaft 30 is connected to a crown coupling34, which is connected at its radial outer surface 35 with the internalsurface 36 of a roller tube 38 for a covering. On the proximate end ofthe housing 14, a radial outer surface 40 of a passive ring 42 alsoconnects with the inner surface 36 of the roller tube 38. Thisconfiguration provides a balancing support for the roller tube 38.

To power the motor 18, leads (not illustrated), connected to the motor18, extend through the proximate side 14 of the motor housing 12,through a stationary bracket 44 connected to an architectural opening(not illustrated), and are hard wired to leads (not illustrated)extending from the architectural opening. Should one need to change themotor housing 12, these leads must first be disconnected, complicatingthe task.

In view of the challenge with wiring a motor housing at an architecturalopening, some examples disclosed herein provide a roller blind motorconfiguration which is insertable into and removable from anarchitectural opening without requiring hard wiring of the motor to thearchitectural opening.

Limiter systems in the prior art roller blind motors can also create achallenge. Two types of limiter systems are common: a mechanical limitersystem and an electronically programmable limiter system.

In the motor 10 illustrated in FIG. 1, a mechanical limiter system 46 isprovided for tracking the wind state of fabric during winding andunwinding operations. The mechanical limiter system 46 includes thepassive ring 42 which drives a gear 48, which in-turn drives a screw orworm 50. The action of the screw 50 axially advances or retracts a screwfollower or worm gear 52 until one of a pair of switches 54, 56, areactuated, which disengages the motor 18.

The spacing of the switches 54, 56 and, thus, the vertical span forwinding/unwinding the blind, is mechanically set by, for example, a pairof push buttons (not illustrated) located on the proximate end of themotor housing 14. The buttons are located so that they are exposed andcan be actuated after the roller tube 38 and motor housing 12 areconnected.

An electronically programmed limiter system 58 utilized by a prior artmotor is, illustrated in FIG. 2. The passive ring 42, in this instance,is not connected to a gear but serves as an additional support for theroller tube 38. A limiting system 60 includes a printed circuit board 62and opposing electronic sensors 64, 66, one attached to the proximateend 67 of the motor and one attached to the distal end 69 of the printedcircuit board 62. The sensor 64 connected to the motor 18 revolves withthe motor shaft 30.

When the sensors 64, 66 pass each other, the number of consecutiverevolutions of the motor shaft 30, and, thus, the related windings ofthe roller tube 38, are counted. From this information, the windingstate of the fabric is deduced. When a predetermined number of passesbetween sensors 64, 66 has been counted, the system concludes that thecovering is fully let-out or fully retracted; depending on the directionof rotation of the roller tube 38.

The structure required for both mechanical and electronically programmedtypes of limiter systems is complex and a source for repair over thelife of a covering. Furthermore, resetting the mechanical and electroniclimiting systems can be an arduous task for the installer andimpractical option for the homeowner. Unfortunately, such resetting isoften required during the life of a covering for various reasons. Forexample, resetting the limiter systems is required when a permanentobstruction is introduced, like a window mounted air-conditioner for anoutdoor installation.

Additionally, a resetting process is required each time the covering isreinstalled in an architectural opening. Reinstallation is requiredwhen, for example, the covering is periodically removed for cleaningand/or service. During such process, it is not likely that the personremoving the covering will reinstall the covering with the fabric inexactly the same wound or unwound state as when it was removed. If thewound state differs by any measurable amount, the motor operation willbe out of sync with the covering. As a result, the motor will notwind/unwind the fabric completely or will over wind/unwind the covering.

An out-of-synch motor can create problems in the winding operation. Oneassociated problem is illustrated with reference to FIG. 3A. This figureillustrates a roller tube 38 to which fabric 74 and a weighted bottomrail 76 are attached. A pair of end brackets 71 support the roller tube38 and a pair of stops 73 extend from opposing ends of the rail 76. Theroller tube 38 is encased in a head-rail 75, which is illustrated ashaving a circular cross section and having a circumferential slot-typeopening 77. The opening 77, through which the fabric 74 extends, iscircumferentially smaller than the size of the bottom rail 76.

As illustrated in FIG. 3A, one problem occurs when an out-of-synch motorattempts to wind a fully retracted fabric 74. Such action, with thestops 73 pressed against the end brackets 71, could result in strainingthe bottom rail 76 such that it bends into and jams in the opening 77 inthe head-rail 75. On the other hand, if the motor does not wind thefabric 74 far enough, an unsightly overhang of the fabric 74 will remainafter the retracting process concludes.

An out-of-synch motor creates different problems in the unwindingoperation of the motor. Some problems are illustrated with reference toFIGS. 3B-3E. These figures illustrate several restraining means 79 forrestraining excess fabric 74 against the roller tube 38. Suchrestraining means 79 are desirable to set the drop height of a standardlength covering without requiring additional cutting and tailoring ofthe fabric 74.

In FIG. 3B, staples 79A and an axially extending stiffening member 79Bform the restraining means 79. In FIG. 3C, the restraining means 79include tape 79C. For example, clear packing tape may be wrapped aroundexcess fabric and a topmost louver 79D in a louvered blind. In FIG. 3C,the louvers are soft and/or have a profile curve enabling the louvers tosubstantially fit against the curve of the wound blind. The louvers arealso illustrated as being glued 79E to the blind.

In FIG. 3D, a circumferential spring clip 79F, extending axially alongthe full length of the fabric 74, forms the restraining means 79. InFIG. 3E, a cavity 791 with an axial slot 79G is formed in the rollertube 38 in which an end portion of the fabric 74 wraps around an axiallyextending constraining member 79H.

In FIGS. 3B-3D, unwinding the covering past the predetermined dropheight would result in an effort by the motor to wind the fabric 74 sothat it folds upon itself starting at the maximum unwound point. Thisfolding would take the fabric 74 away from the final stop point,undesirably retracting the covering. This could also lead to excessivepulling of the fabric 74; resulting in jamming in the head-rail as wellas potentially damaging the restraining means 79. For example, thestaples 79A and tape 79C could be pulled off and the spring clip 79Fcould deform. In FIG. 3E, winding the fabric 74 in the wrong directioncould lead to stripping the fabric 74 from within the cavity 79F.

In view of the challenges with setting and maintaining limiter systems,some examples disclosed herein provide a motor which does not require alimiter system for accurately winding and unwinding the covering.

Some examples disclosed herein provide a motor configuration which isunable to apply torque in an unwinding direction. In some suchimplementations, the example motor is configured to slip against aroller tube upon being subjected to an opposing torque at a thresholdlevel during a winding operation. In some such implementations, theexample motor is insertable into and removable from an architecturalopening without requiring hard wiring of the motor to the architecturalopening. In some such implementations the example motor does not requirea limiter system for accurately winding and unwinding the covering,avoiding the need to have to set top and bottom winding points.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example torque limiting motor coupling 68 thatprevents a motor from applying torque to a roller tube 38 in anunwinding direction. The example configuration of FIG. 4 includes, forexample, a motor output shaft coupling 70 positioned on a motor shaft(not labeled). A roller tube 38 is illustrated as an outer diameter ofthe system, which is connected to the fabric 74 and, in turn, theweighted rail 76. A track 78 is also illustrated which guides the fabric74 during winding and unwinding operations.

The motor output shaft coupling 70 functions as a ratchet crank, whereratchet gear teeth 80 are part of the inner diameter 36 of the rollertube 38 or are fitted thereto by an additional adaptor (notillustrated). A pawl 82 is connected to the motor output shaft coupling70 by a pivot 84 and a compression spring 86.

While the motor shaft is unwinding the fabric 74, the pawl 82, lockedagainst the gear teeth 80, prevents an uncontrolled unwind which couldotherwise occur from the weight of the bottom rail 76. Similarly, whenthe motor shaft ceases unwinding or winds in the take-up direction, themotor output shaft coupling 70, with the pawl 82 locked against the gearteeth 80, enables winding of the roller tube 38 so as to raise thebottom rail 76 and retract the fabric 74 about the roller tube 38. Inother words, the torque applied by this motor configuration, whetherduring an unwinding or winding operation, is in the winding direction.

While unwinding, should the roller tube become obstructed, for example,due to debris, the motor shaft 38 would still turn. However, the pawl 82and the gear 80, slipping relative to each other, would be unable toapply torque in the unwinding direction.

If an obstruction is in the track, a similar outcome is achieved. Whenthe rail 76 comes to rest on the obstruction, and the fabric 74 hasbunched up in the track 78, the motor shaft 38 would still turn. Again,however, the pawl 82 and gear 80, slipping relative to each other, wouldbe unable to apply torque in the unwinding direction. Without theapplication of torque in the unwinding direction, the fabric, with itsweight supported by the obstruction, will not continue to unwind fromthe roller tube 38.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example implementation of a torque limiting motorcoupling 88, which will now be discussed. As with the torque limitingmotor coupling 68, the torque limiting motor coupling 88 is unable toapply torque in the unwinding direction. Furthermore, the torquelimiting motor coupling 88 also slips against a roller tube upon beingsubjected to opposing torque at a threshold level in a windingdirection.

FIGS. 6-8 illustrate example applications of the torque limiting motorcoupling 88, wherein the torque limiting motor coupling 88 isretrofitted to the motor 10 illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 2. Thisdiscussion illustrates an example application of the torque limitingmotor coupling 88, and supports the discussion of the exampleapplication of the torque limiting motor coupling 88, illustrated inFIGS. 9-12, and discussed below.

Turning to FIGS. 5 and 6, the motor coupling 88 includes an adaptorshaft 90, which is a keyed cylinder, adapted to fit outside of thedistal end 32 of the shaft 30 of, for example, the motor 18. Surroundingthe adaptor shaft 90, centered between opposing proximate end 91 anddistal end, 93 of the adaptor shaft 90, is a one-way bearing 92.

Functionally, the one-way bearing 92 is analogous to the ratchet-pawlconfiguration of the torque limiting motor coupling 68. That is, due tothe one-way rolling of the outer bearing race with respect to theadaptor shaft 90 (and thus with respect to the shaft 30), the motor 18is unable to apply torque in the unwinding direction. A differencebetween the torque limiting motor coupling 88 and the ratchet-pawlconfiguration 68 is, for example, the bearing is quieter than aratchet-pawl configuration. Furthermore, the torque limiting motorcoupling 88 does not require a pivotable pawl 82 and also does notrequire a mating gear structure 80 in the roller tube 38.

On the outer race 94 of the bearing 92, a slip-clutch 96 is provided.The slip-clutch 96 is designed to slip against the bearing 92. Holdingthe slip-clutch 96 in place, on its radial outer surface 98, is a spring100. The selection of the spring 100 (e.g., the spring force of thespring) defines the threshold torque required to slip the slip-clutch 96against the bearing 92. The slip-clutch 96 is not illustrated in FIG. 4;however, it can be integrated into that configuration as well.

In the example torque limiting motor coupling 88 of, for example, FIG.5, the bearing 92, the slip-clutch 96 and the spring 100 are axiallycentered relative to each other and have substantially the same axialdimension. The example shaft 90 is longer than the bearing 92, theslip-clutch 96 and the spring 100. Among other things, this provides theproximate end 91 and the distal shaft end 93 with a small amount ofmaterial for spacing the bearing 92, the slip-clutch 96 and the spring100 from the axial base of the adapter shaft 90.

The axial buffer zone on both sides of the torque limiting motorcoupling 88 enables reversing the torque limiting motor coupling 88depending on whether a motor is placed on the left or right hand sidewithin a roller tube, due to, for example, the location of availablewiring. Reversing the torque limiting motor coupling 88 is achieved bysliding the adaptor shaft 90 off of the motor shaft 30 and reinstallingthe adaptor shaft 90 so that the distal end 93 of the adaptor shaft 90,rather than the proximate end 91, faces the distal end 20 of the motor18.

An example cavity 102 is defined between opposing, circumferentiallyspaced edges 104, 106 of the slip-clutch 96 and edges 108, 110 of thespring 100, rendering the slip-clutch 96 and spring 100 “C” shaped.Specifically, a base 112 of the cavity 102 is the outer race 94 of thebearing 92. A first side 114 of the cavity 102 is defined by alignededges 104, 108 of the slip-clutch 96 and the spring 100. A second side116 of the cavity 102 is defined by aligned edges 106, 110 of theslip-clutch 96 and the spring 100.

The example cavity 102 may be mated with a tang manufactured in amodified crown coupling 118. An example tang 213 is illustrated in FIG.11, and discussed below. The example tang 213 of FIG. 11 has a radialinner surface 214 which does not reach the bearing 92, as well asopposing circumferential surfaces 215, 216. The tang 213 movescircumferentially between opposing sides 114, 116 of the cavity 102 sothat one of the tang surfaces 215, 216 presses against a respective oneof the sides 114, 116 of the cavity 102, whereby the tang 213 rotateswith the slip-clutch 96. Thus, the modified crown coupling 118 iscapable of rotating with the motor shaft 30.

Depending on the direction the tang moves in the cavity 102, the bearing92 will either roll or lock. If locked, the slip-clutch 96 will slipwhen torque at the threshold limit is applied. Accordingly, if acovering is obstructed during a winding operation, the slip-clutch 96slips when the torque of the motor 18 reaches the threshold limit. Theshaft 30 then spins, without spinning the roller tube 38 as long astorque above this threshold limit is maintained, preventingoverstraining of the motor 18 or the fabric of the covering.

The slip-clutch 96 configuration should be selected so that slip occursat a greater torque than required to wind the fabric. On the other hand,the configuration should be selected so that slip occurs at a lowertorque than required to strain the motor 18.

As an alternative to the slip-clutch 96, the motor 18 can be equippedwith an overload system including one or more sensors. For example, amechanical torque based sensor and/or an electrical current (e.g.,amperage) based sensor (not illustrated) may be used. This type ofsystem would shut off the motor 18 after mechanically sensing torquewhich exceeds a threshold and/or sensing a current draw which exceeds athreshold.

Before discussing the example application of the torque limiting motorcoupling 88 in FIGS. 9-12, it is noted that the torque limiting motorcoupling 88 is suitable for implementation with the motor 18 of FIG. 1but not in the motor 18 of FIG. 2. As will now be examined, the torquelimiting motor coupling 88 will not affect the relationship between themechanical limiter system 46 and the actual wind state of the coveringin the motor 10 of FIG. 1, but will affect the relationship between thelimiting system 60 and the actual wind state of the covering in themotor 58 of FIG. 2.

In the motor 18 of FIG. 6, when the shaft 30 spins without the rollertube 38 spinning during, for example, an obstructed winding or unwindingoperation, the passive ring 42 also does not spin and, therefore, thescrew follower 52 does not advance towards either switch 54, 56. Withthis type of configuration, automatic timers may be used to time out thesystem and avoid continual running of the motor 18.

In an operation immediately following an obstructed winding or unwindingoperation, the screw follower 52 would engage the appropriate switch 54,56 when the covering is successfully wound or unwound. That is the freespinning of the shaft 30 does not skew the relationship between themechanical limiter system 46 and the roller blind fabric 74.

On the other hand, were one to include the torque limiting motorcoupling 88 in the motor 58 of FIG. 2, free spinning of the motor 18during an obstructed winding or unwinding operation would cause thesensors 64, 66 to pass each other with each revolution of the motor 18,despite the fact that the roller tube 38 is stationary. The motorelectronics 62 would falsely determine that the covering is beingunwound or wound.

Accordingly, FIGS. 7 and 8 illustrate a torque limiting motorconfiguration 120 that may be used with the motor 58 of FIG. 2. Thisconfiguration 120, as with the torque limiting motor coupling 88, doesnot apply torque in the unwinding direction.

The configuration 120 includes an alternative crown coupling 122, whichis connected to the inner surface 72 (shown in FIG. 8) of the rollertube 38. The crown coupling 122 of the illustrated example is a soliddisk with, for example, a cavity 124 defined by a fifteen degree cut-out129. The cavity 124 of the illustrated example has first and secondsides 126, 128 and a base 130.

A motor shaft coupling 132 is connected to the distal end 32 of theshaft 30 and axially aligned with the crown coupling 122. The motorshaft coupling 132 of the illustrated example is an elongatedrectangular shaped member, connected at one end to the shaft 30. Themotor shaft coupling 132 has opposing sides 134, 136 which can togglebetween the opposing sides 126, 128 of the crown coupling 122 when themotor 18 changes rotational directions. The approximately fifteen degreeangle between opposing sides 126, 128 allows the motor shaft coupling132 to pivot from one side of the cavity 124 to the other. Similarly,top and bottom edges 138, 140 of the motor shaft coupling 132 are sizedto ensure that the motor shaft coupling 132 can pivot from one side ofthe cavity 124 to the other.

During an unwind operation, the weight of the rail 76 presses the side126 of the cavity 124 against the side 134 of the motor shaft coupling132. To control the descent of the blind, the torque applied by themotor is in the winding direction.

When an obstruction prevents unwinding so that the weight of the rail 76is not pulling fabric from the roller tube 38, the roller tube 38 willstop spinning because the motor 18 is applying torque in the windingdirection. However, the motor shaft coupling 132, which still turns fromthe motor action, will advance towards the opposing side 128 of thecavity 124. This separates the side 126 of the cavity 124 from the side134 of the motor shaft coupling 132. Communication of this separation istransmitted to the motor controller electronics 62 by, for example, oneor more sensors 142, 144, which may be mechanical, magnetic,electromechanical, etc. The electronics 62 then stops the motor 18 and,therefore, prevents the motor 18 from applying torque in the unwindingdirection, which would unroll the fabric from the roller tube 38 whilethe fabric is not falling due to the obstruction.

In the illustrated example, additional sensors 146, 148 on the opposingcavity 124 and motor shaft coupling 132 side surfaces 128, 136 renderthis configuration reversible as well. However, in the example of FIG.7, contact between any of the sensors is not required on the retractingphase, or at least at the start of that phase because the mating sides126, 134 (or, in the reversed configuration, sides 128, 136) would beseparated at the onset of the winding operation if, for example, anobstruction stopped the previous unwinding operation.

On the other hand, an obstruction could be identified in the windingdirection by configuring the pairs of sensors 142, 144 and 146, 148 tosense different levels of applied force between contacting surfaces 126,134 and 128, 136. When the applied force exceeds a threshold, adetermination could be made that an obstruction is present on thetake-up cycle, and the motor 18 could be disengaged. Alternatively, anelectronic torque sensor, motor amperage sensor, etc. could disengagethe motor 18 upon sensing the effects of an obstruction in the windingoperation.

Turning to FIGS. 9-12, example implementation of the torque limitingmotor coupling 88 in a rotary motor 156 will now be discussed. Theexample rotary motor 156 is powered by a timed-pulse of current. Thebearing 92 and the slip-clutch 96 of the torque limiting motor coupling88 enable the use of the rotary motor 156 with a timer (not illustrated)rather than using a stationary motor with a limiter system. As the timerelectronics are separate from the rotary motor 156, the rotary motor 156can be much smaller and lighter than stationary motors equipped withlimiting systems. According to the illustrated example, while thestationary motor is described as having a drive shaft that rotates withrespect to the architectural opening, the example rotary motor 156, asdescribed in further detail herein, includes a drive shaft that remainsstationary while the body (i.e., the casing, which is often labeled thestator) of the motor rotates to drive rotation of a roller tube.

Other benefits of some implementations of a timer with use of theillustrated example torque limiting motor coupling 88 on the rotarymotor 156, over a motor with a limiting system, will now be discussed.As indicated, known limiter systems use set points to limitunwinding/winding a covering. The set points must be set and resetfrequently. Without the proper configuration of the set points theproblems associated with the discussion related to FIGS. 3A-3E, above,could result.

However, the operation of a timed motor is different. In some examples,when a timer period is calculated for winding/unwinding the blind, abuffer is added to the timer period. The example buffer ensures that,barring an obstruction, there will be a period of time after thecompleted winding/unwinding in which the motor keeps running. The buffercan be, for example, ten percent of the predicted wind time.

With the buffered time period determined and set in the example timingelectronics, for the remainder of the life of the covering, regardlessof the introduction of temporary or permanent obstructions, andregardless of whether the covering is removed and reinstalled, thecovering will continue to operate without the need for set points oradjustments. This is because, as will be discussed, unlike known limitersystems, the example timed motor 156 is self-regulating.

For example, with the motor 156 equipped with the torque limiting motorcoupling 88 and a timer, when a full winding/unwinding operation issuccessful, the motor 156 keeps running during the buffer period whenthe blind has come to rest. Before the motor 156 times out, if winding,the torque of the motor 156 reaches the threshold level, causing theslip-clutch 96 to slip against the bearing 92, avoiding the problemsassociated with the discussion of FIG. 3A. Similarly, if unwinding, theouter bearing race rolls with respect to the adaptor shaft 90 (and,thus, with respect to the drive shaft of the motor 156) after the bottomrail of the covering comes to rest or an obstruction is encountered,avoiding the problems associated with the discussion of FIGS. 3B-3E.After timing out, the motor 156 is ready for running in the reversedirection in the next operation.

Faced with an obstruction during a winding/unwinding operation, thetorque limiting motor coupling 88 of the illustrated example willrespond as described with reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. The example motor156, however, instead of deactivating due to limiter switches, will timeout. In other words, when an obstruction is encountered, the examplemotor 156 will continue to run while the covering is stationary untilthe timer stops the motor 156.

An additional benefit of some example implementations of the torquelimiting motor coupling 88 with a timed motor 156 is realized followinga partially successful unwinding/winding operation, (e.g., obstructedwinding/unwinding operation). In such an instance, neither timerelectronics nor the motor 156 is aware of the state of the roller fabric74. For example, an obstruction in a track may allow the fabric 74 tounwind or wind by only fifty percent before the timer stops the motor156. Therefore, upon removing the obstruction and restarting the motor156, an effort to continue in either operational direction would befifty percent too long (plus the buffer time).

Without the torque limiting motor coupling 88, the timed motor 156 wouldinduce the problems associated with FIGS. 3A-3E in the next operationfollowing a partially successful winding/unwinding. However, theseproblems are avoided in the illustrated example of the torque limitingmotor coupling 88 for the same reasons they are avoided with asuccessful winding/unwinding operation, discussed previously. That is,in a successful winding/unwinding operation immediately following apartially successful winding/unwinding operation, the motor 156 willcontinue to run after the blind comes to rest because the blind willhave a shorter distance to travel to be fully wound/unwound. Thereafter,when the motor 156 times-out, the motor 156 is correctly synchronized,(i.e., self-regulated), for further winding and unwinding operations. Inother words, the covering will be fully wound or unwound and the timerperiod will be appropriate for fully unwinding or winding the blind,respectively.

In some examples, a remote control or wall switch which is programmedfor “up” and “down” commands if used to control the covering. In suchexamples, no electronics need to account for the wound state of thecovering. With the torque limiting motor coupling 88, there is noproblem with accidentally hitting “up” or “down” in consecutiveoperations because the motor 156 cannot over-torque and damage the blindin the illustrated example.

Turning to FIGS. 9-12, an example implementation of the rotary motor 156and the torque limiting coupling 88 will be discussed. The orientationof the example motor 156 in FIGS. 9-12 is reversed as compared with theorientation of the motor 18 in FIGS. 1 and 2, in that the motor shaft160 in the example configuration of FIGS. 9-12 is on the right side ofthe motor 156 rather than the left side. However, the “distal” and“proximate” monikers have the same meaning here as before. That is, withthe motor 156 in a plan view, “axial proximate” or “proximate” meanscloser to the right side of the figure. On the other hand, “axialdistal” or “distal” means further from the right side of the figure.

In the example FIGS. 9-12, a roller tube 150 having a proximate end 152and a distal end 154 encloses the motor 156 and the additionalcomponents. The torque limiting motor coupling 88 of the illustratedexample is fitted on the proximate end 158 of the motor 156 (e.g., onthe motor drive shaft 160), so that the distal end of the adaptor shaft93 of the torque limiting motor coupling 88 is positioned against adistal end 162 of the drive shaft 160 of the motor 156.

An end cap 164, through which the motor drive shaft 160 connects withthe torque limiting motor coupling 88, securely connects the motor 156to the roller tube 150. This connection enables the motor 156 to turnwith the roller tube 150, subject to slippage provided by the torquelimiting motor coupling 88, as discussed below.

As shown in FIG. 11, the end cap 164 forms an axially extending cup-typecavity having a distal base portion 168, and which opens on itsproximate end 170. The cap base portion 168 defines a radially centralopening 172 which is large enough for the adaptor shaft 90 of the torquelimiting motor coupling 88 to pass through.

The cap base portion 168 is axially between the proximate end 158 of themotor 156 and the distal end 174 of the bearing 92, slip-clutch 96 andspring 100 of the torque limiting motor coupling 88. This configurationenables removal of the torque limiting motor coupling 88 withoutdisassembling the end cap 164 and the motor 156 from each other and fromthe roller tube 150. The rolling direction of the roller bearing 92 withrespect to the motor shaft 160 can be reversed without extensivehandling of the system to enable operation of the motor 156 in either aleft-handed or right-handed assembly.

A small amount of axial play 175 is provided between the cap baseportion 168 and the distal end 174 of the bearing 92, clutch 96 andspring 100 of the torque limiting motor coupling 88. This configurationprevents binding of these components during operation.

The cap base portion 168 is axially thick enough to seat and physicallyisolate motor mounts 178 from the torque limiting motor coupling 88. Themotor mounts 178 include a plurality of circumferentially spaced rubberbushings 180, serving as vibration isolators, in which standoff mounts182 and screws 184 are inserted for connecting the end cap 164 to themotor 156. In addition to the vibration isolation of the elasticmaterial of the bushings 180, the example bushings 180 also axiallyspace the end cap 164 from the motor 156, to further isolate vibrationsof the motor 156.

The opened proximate end 170 of the end cap 164 includes a radiallyoutward extending lip 186. The lip 186 seats against a proximate end 188of the roller tube 150.

To fix the assembly of FIG. 11 to the proximate side of an architecturalopening, the assembly is provided with a stationary wall bracket 44 andscrews 190. The wall bracket 44 of the illustrated example can slidablyreceive a stationary tube bracket 192. The tube bracket 192 is removableand insertable into the wall bracket 44 via a flexible extension 194with a grip portion 196. A clip 198 of the illustrated example securelyconnects the tube bracket 192 with the wall bracket 44 and can bereleased by flexing the grip portion 196.

Removing tube bracket 192 of the illustrated example from the wallbracket 44 removes the covering assembly from the architectural opening.On the other hand, inserting the tube bracket 192 into the wall bracket44 installs the covering assembly into the architectural opening.

In the illustrated example, the proximate end 200 of a drive ring 201 isfixedly connected to the distal side 199 of the stationary tube bracket192. These components are connected via, for example, circumferentiallyspaced screws 202. The drive ring 201 of the illustrated example is anaxially extending cup-type cavity having a proximate base 203, whichopens on its distal end 204. The distal end 204 has a diameter enablingit to fit into the opening in the proximate end 170 of the end cap 164.A radially inward step 205 at the drive ring base 203 is adapted forbeing releasably gripped by circumferentially spaced flexible grippingmembers 206 formed at the end cap lip 186.

The drive ring base 203 of the illustrated example is axially thickenough to seat and encase the screws 202 in countersunk openings 208.The drive ring 201 is configured such that when it is inserted into andencased by the end cap 164, a distal surface 209 of the drive ring base203 sits against the proximate end 210 of the bearing 92, slip-clutch 96and/or spring 100 of the torque limiting motor coupling 88.

The drive ring base 203 of the illustrated example includes an adaptorshaft support cavity 211. The cavity 211 which is an axially extendingcup-type cavity formed in the radial center of the drive ring base 203.The cavity 211 opens into the drive ring 201. The support cavity 211 islarge enough to seat the proximate portion 91 of the adaptor shaft 90.The shaft 90 extends axially past the proximate end 210 of the bearing92, clutch 96 and spring 100 components of the torque limiting motorcoupling 88.

As indicated above, in the illustrated example, the length of the distalportion 93 of the adaptor shaft 90 is the same or substantially the sameas that of the proximate portion 91 of the adaptor shaft 90. Thisenables fitting the distal portion 93 in the support cavity 211 forreversing the torque limiting motor coupling 88 about the motor shaft160, depending on whether the covering is a left-handed or right-handedassembly.

Between the distal end of the drive ring base 209 and the distal end ofthe drive ring 204, the above mentioned tang 213 is provided. Wheninserted into the end cap 164, the distal end of the tang 213 of theillustrated example, which defines the distal end of the drive ring 204,is axially flush or substantially flush with the distal end of thebearing 92, clutch 96 and/or spring 174. This geometry provides a solidconnection between the tang 213 and the cavity 102 in the torquelimiting motor coupling 88.

As the drive ring 204 and tang 213 of the illustrated example arestationary, movement in the motor 156 translates into rotating the motor156, not the tang 213. The connection between the motor 156 and theroller tube 150 via the end cap 164 turns the roller tube 150 with themotor 156 so long as the motor 156 is not rolling against the tang 213via action of the bearing 92 or slipping against the tang 213 via actionof the slip-clutch 96.

The tube bracket 192 of the illustrated example is formed with anaxially extending cup-type cavity 212. The cup-type cavity 212 open onthe distal end 199 of the tube bracket 192 for receiving the drive ringsupport cavity 211. The tube bracket cavity 212 of the illustratedexample is sized to seat and encase the screws 202 connecting the tubebracket 192 to the drive ring 201.

The above motor configuration provides a rotary drive motor 156 for thecovering. This configuration differs from previous drive systems forcoverings in which the motor is stationary. It also differs fromprevious systems in that the limiter system is replaced by electronicsproviding a timed-pulse of power combined with the torque limiting motorcoupling 88. With these components, the rotary motor 156 isself-regulating when subjected to obstructions during awinding/unwinding operation and/or when the covering is removed andreinstalled.

Turning to FIGS. 13-14, an example structure for providing power to themotor 156 will now be illustrated and discussed. As indicated above, ina previous system, wire leads are fixedly connected to the motor (e.g.,motor 18) through an architectural opening. Such a configuration has thedrawback of rendering the blind assembly difficult to install anddifficult to remove for servicing. Furthermore, such a configuration, byitself, would not work with a motor 156 that rotates with the rollertube.

As illustrated in FIG. 13, in an example configuration 228, to power themotor 156, batteries 230, which also spin within the roller tube 38, areprovided. In addition, the configuration 228 includes a remote controlswitching device 232, which also spins within the roller tube 38 (i.e.,rotates with the motor 156).

Alternatively, as illustrated in FIGS. 9, 10 and 14, a quick-releaseslip-ring 234 is utilized to carry power to the spinning motor 156. Sucha slip-ring 234 serves as an electrical and mechanical disconnect pointfor the covering. The electrical connection is provided between arotating slip-ring housing 236, at its distal end 238, and a stationaryslip-ring housing 240, which is attached to an architectural opening(not illustrated) via, for example, screws 241.

Within the stationary slip-ring housing 240 of the illustrated exampleis a spring contact 242 and a flat contact 244, electrically separatedfrom each other. One of these contacts 242, 244 is a hot contact and theother is a neutral contact. These contacts 242, 244 are positionedwithin a cavity 246 in the stationary bracket 240, similar in type tothe cavity 211 in the tube bracket 174.

Centrally disposed within the rotatable housing 236 is a spring mountedpin 248 (e.g., a brass pin), with an associated compression spring 250and spring seat 251 fixed at an axially intermediate location on the pin248. An opening 252 in the proximate side of the housing 236 is largeenough to allow a proximate end 254 of the pin 248 to pass, but not thespring 250. As such, the action of the spring 250 occurs between theradial opening 252 and the spring seat 251, forcing the pin 248 in thedistal direction from within the housing 236.

An insulating sleeve 256 fixed at the distal end of the housing 236 hasa proximate edge 258 against which the spring seat 251 comes to rest,thereby restraining the pin 248 within the sleeve 256 and the housing236. When the slip-ring 234 is connected to the stationary bracket 240,the spring 250 forces the distal end 258 of the pin against the flatcontact 244.

The spring contact 242 of the illustrated example comprises two contacts260, 262, each extending axially from the cavity 246 and each bentradially inward to press against an exposed portion of a brass sleeve264 on the outside of the insulating sleeve 256. Wires 266, 268 aresoldered to respective points 270, 272 on the proximate end of the pin248 and along a proximate end of the axial length of the brass sleeve264. The solder point 270 on the brass sleeve 264 is positioned farenough towards the proximate end of the sleeve 264 to not obstruct axialmotion of the contacts 260, 262 against the sleeve 264, as discussedbelow.

With the above configuration, when installed, an electrical connectionexists between the contact 244, the pin 248 and the wire 268. Anelectrical connection also exists between the contact 242, the brasssleeve 264 and the wire 266. The wires connect to the motor 156 forcompleting the power circuit. One of the wires is connected to the hotcontact on the motor 156 and one is connected to the neutral contact onthe motor 156. Their connection to the pin 248 and brass sleeve 264depends on which of these conductive members will be connected to thehot contact or neutral contact at the stationary bracket 240, which isdetermined in advance.

The rotatable housing 236 of the illustrated example includes a distalend lip 274, serving the same purpose of the proximate end lip in theend cap 164. An axially extending cup-shaped cavity 276 in the rotatablehousing 236, which opens towards its distal end 238, is radially largeenough to enable the contacts 260, 262 to flex against the brass sleeve264.

The cavity 276 of the illustrated example is axially deep enough toallow for axial play 278 between the rotatable housing 236 and thestationary bracket 240 to account for variations in bracket spacing,which is a function of the size of the architectural opening. For thesame reason, the axial length of the exposed portion of the brass sleeve264 of the illustrated example, distal from the solder point 270 for thewire 268, matches that of the depth of the cavity 276. Similarly, thereach, from the pin 248 to the flat contact 244, accounts for the samevariations in axial play 278.

Accordingly, the above disclosed examples provide quick-releaseslip-ring 234 which is capable of powering the motor 156 withoutpermanently wiring the motor 156 to wires at an architectural opening.This configuration enables installing and removing motorized coveringsmuch more quickly and easily than with typical connections.

A hard-wired slip-ring (not illustrated) could alternately be utilized.For example, the motor 156 could be operated in a same fashion even witha hard-wired slip-ring.

Examples disclosed herein provide a roller motor configuration whichdoes not apply torque in the unwinding direction. Some such examplemotors are configured to slip when encountering a torque above athreshold during a winding operation. Some such example motors are alsoinsertable into and removable from an architectural opening withoutrequiring permanent wiring of the motor to the architectural opening.Some example motors do not require a limiter system for stopping thecovering at the top and bottom of the stroke.

Turning to FIGS. 15 and 16, there is illustrated another application ofthe torque limiting motor coupling 88 of FIG. 5. An examplearchitectural opening treatment 278 is known in the industry as Duetteby Hunter Douglas, of 2 Park Way, Upper Saddle River, N.J., 07458, inthe United States. This treatment 278 includes a head-rail 280, apleated fabric 282 and a bottom rail 284. A pair of lift spools 286, 288are spaced within the head-rail 280, each having lift cords 290, 292extending through the fabric 282. The lift spools 286, 288 are mountedto a single driven shaft 294 and controlled in unison by a motor 296.

As illustrated in FIG. 16, the prior Duette motor can be fitted with thetorque limiting motor coupling 88 illustrated in FIG. 5. A couplingmember 298, such as a cup-shaped cylinder 300, opening towards itsproximate side, is fixedly connected to the spring 100 on the radialinner surface of the coupling member 298, directly or through anadditional coupling. Furthermore, a base 302 of the coupling member 298is fixedly connected to a proximate end 304 of the driven shaft 294.

In such a configuration, the window treatment 278 exhibits describedtorque limiting characteristics as explained above. That is, the motorin the Duette shade would not apply torque in the unwinding directionand would slip with respect to lift spools 286, 288 when encounteringmore than the threshold torque when winding.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating an example method to controloperation of an architectural opening covering. The example method ofFIG. 17 is described in conjunction with the roller tube 150 of FIG. 9.However, the example method may be used with any other covering.

The example method of FIG. 17 begins when a controller receives aninstruction to wind the roller tube 150 (block 1702). For example, thecontroller may receive an instruction from a wireless remote control viaa wireless receiver included with the controller, from a wired orwireless remote control, from a button on a control panel, etc. Inresponse to the instruction, the controller operates the motor 156 in awinding direction (e.g., to raise a covering material attached to theroller tube 150) (block 1704). As previously described, the torquelimiting motor coupling 88 prevents rotation of the output shaft of themotor 156. Accordingly, the radial body of the motor 156 and the rollertube 150 are rotated. The controller determines if the torque on themotor exceeds a winding torque threshold (block 1706). For example, whena covering is wound to its upper-most limit, a bottom bar or weightattached to the covering material will reach a frame of the covering andprevent rotation of the roller tube 150 around which the coveringmaterial is wrapped. This stoppage will cause the torque on the motor toincrease beyond a threshold. The threshold can be selected so thatnormal winding (e.g., when no obstruction is present) does not exceedthe torque threshold, but winding against a frame or obstruction willcause the threshold to be passed.

If the winding torque threshold has not been exceeded (block 1706), themotor 156 continues to operate until the threshold is exceeded. If thewinding torque threshold has been exceeded (block 1706), the motor isstopped (block 1708). For example, when the covering is fully wound oran obstruction preventing winding is encountered, the motor 150 will bestopped. The method of FIG. 17 then ends until a new instruction isreceived at the controller.

The example method of FIG. 18 begins when the controller receives aninstruction to unwind the roller tube 150 (block 1802). In response tothe instruction, the controller operates the motor 156 in an unwindingdirection (e.g., to lower covering material attached to the roller tube150) (block 1804). As previously described, the torque limiting motorcoupling 88 prevents rotation of the output shaft of the motor 156.Accordingly, the radial body of the motor 156 and the roller tube 150are rotated. The controller determines if the torque on the motorexceeds an unwinding torque threshold (block 1806). For example, whenthe covering is unwound to its lower-most limit, the covering materialmay begin to wind on the roller (e.g., raising the covering material).This winding will increase the torque on the motor (e.g., to levelssimilar to the levels found when operating the covering in winding).Thus, the threshold can be selected so that normal unwinding does notexceed the torque threshold, but winding the covering material (e.g.,after fully unwinding the covering material) will cause the threshold tobe passed. According to the illustrated example, the winding thresholdexceeds the unwinding threshold so that end-of-material winding can bedetected.

If the unwinding torque threshold has not been exceeded (block 1806),the motor 156 continues to operate until the threshold is exceeded. Ifthe unwinding torque threshold has been exceeded (block 1806), the motoris stopped (block 1808). For example, when the covering is fully unwoundand starts to wind, the motor 156 will be stopped. The method of FIG. 18then ends until a new instruction is received at the controller.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an example method to controloperation of an architectural opening covering. The example method ofFIG. 19 is described in conjunction with the roller tube 150 of FIG. 9.However, the example method may be used with any other covering.

The example method of FIG. 19 begins when a controller receives aninstruction to wind the roller tube 150 (block 1902). For example, thecontroller may receive an instruction from a wireless remote control viaa wireless receiver included in the controller, from a wired or wirelessremote control, from a button on a control panel, etc. In response tothe instruction, the controller starts a timer (block 1904). Forexample, the timer may be set for a duration that is long enough for acovering on the roller tube 150 to be wound from its lower-most positionto its upper-most position. The timer may additionally include anadditional time to account for short delays in winding (e.g., a shortamount of time during which the covering is obstructed). Then, thecontroller operates the motor 156 in a winding direction (e.g., to raisecovering material attached to the roller tube 150) (block 1906). Aspreviously described, a torque limiting motor control 88 preventsrotation of the drive shaft of the motor 156. Accordingly, the casing ofthe motor 156 and the roller tube 150 are rotated.

The controller then determines if the winding timer has expired (i.e.,the winding time limit has been reached) (block 1908). For example, thecovering may have been wound from its lower-most position to itsupper-most position. Alternatively, the covering may have been woundfrom an intermediate position to its upper-most position. In such anoperation, the motor 156 would continue to run when the covering reachesits upper most position while the torque limiting motor coupling 88slipped to prevent excessive torque from being applied to the rollertube 150 until the timer expired. In another instance, the covering mayencounter an obstruction that prevents fully winding the coveringmaterial. In such an operation, the motor 156 would continue to runwhile the torque limiting motor coupling 88 slipped to prevent excessivetorque from being applied to the roller tube 150 until the timerexpired.

If the winding timer has not expired (block 1908), the motor 156continues to operate until the timer expires. If the winding timer hasexpired (block 1908), the motor is stopped (block 1910). The method ofFIG. 19 then ends until a new instruction is received at the controller.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an example method to controloperation of an architectural opening covering. The example method ofFIG. 20 is described in conjunction with the roller tube 150 of FIG. 9.However, the example method may be used with any other covering.

The example method of FIG. 20 begins when a controller receives aninstruction to unwind the roller tube 150 (block 2002). For example, thecontroller may receive an instruction from a wireless remote control viaa wireless receiver included in the controller, from a wired or wirelessremote control, from a button on a control panel, etc. In response tothe instruction, the controller starts a timer (block 2004). Forexample, the timer may be set for a duration that is long enough for thecovering to be unwound from its upper-most position to its lower-mostposition. The timer may additionally include an additional time toaccount for short delays in unwinding (e.g., a short amount of timeduring which the covering is obstructed). Then, the controller operatesthe motor 1808 in an unwinding direction (e.g., to lower coveringmaterial attached to the roller tube 150) (block 2006). As previouslydescribed, the torque limiting motor coupling prevents rotation of thedrive shaft of the motor 156. Accordingly, the casing of the motor 156and the roller tube 150 are rotated because the motor 156 no longeropposes unwinding of the covering (e.g., where a weight attached tocovering material of the covering creates a torque to pull the coveringmaterial).

The controller then determines if the unwinding timer has expired (i.e.,the unwinding time limit has been reached) (block 2008). For example,the covering may have been unwound from its upper-most position to itslower-most position. Alternatively, the covering may have been unwoundfrom an intermediate position to its lower-most position. In such anoperation, the motor 156 would continue to run when the covering reachesits lower-most position while the torque limiting motor coupling 88prevented torque from being applied to the roller tube 150 until thetimer expired. In another instance, the covering may encounter anobstruction that prevents fully unwinding the covering material. In suchan operation, the motor 156 would continue to run while the torquelimiting motor coupling 88 slipped to prevent excessive torque frombeing applied to the roller tube 150 until the timer expired.

If the unwinding timer has not expired (block 2008), the motor 156continues to operate until the timer expires. If the unwinding timer hasexpired (block 2008), the motor is stopped (block 2010). The method ofFIG. 20 then ends until a new instruction is received at the controller.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating an example method to switch a motorcontrol of an architectural opening covering from a right-handedoperation to a left-handed operation (or vice versa). The example methodof FIG. 21 is described in conjunction with the roller tube 150 of FIG.9. However, the example method may be used with any other covering.

The example method of FIG. 21 begins with removing the drive ring 201from the end cap 164 installed in the roller tube 150 (block 2102).Then, the torque limiting motor coupling 88 is removed from the motorshaft 160 (block 2104). The torque limiting motor coupling 88 is thenreinstalled on the motor shaft 160 in an axially reversed configuration(block 2106). In other words, the torque limiting motor coupling 88 isreinstalled so that the direction in which the torque limiting motorcoupling 88 prevents the motor 156 from applying torque to the rollertube 150 is reversed. The drive ring 201 is then positioned within theend cap 164 (block 2108). The roller tube 150 is then ready to beinstalled to operate in opposite direction from its previous operation(e.g., left-handed operation changed to right-handed operation orright-handed operation to left-handed operation). A controller for themotor 150 can be instructed of the change to operate winding andunwinding of the motor 156 in the appropriate directions following thechange.

Although certain example methods, apparatus and articles of manufacturehave been described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. On the contrary, this patent covers all methods,apparatus and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe claims either literally or under the doctrine of equivalents.

1. A architectural opening covering apparatus comprising: a rotatablemember; a covering mounted to the rotatable member; a motor having adrive shaft which is capable of rotating the rotatable member in a firstdirection to raise the covering and in a second direction opposite thefirst direction to lower the covering; and a drive shaft couplingsubstantially preventing the motor from applying torque in the seconddirection.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a bottom railconnected to an end of the covering.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein: the rotatable member is a roller tube; the covering is rollershade fabric; and the motor is disposed within the roller tube.
 4. Theapparatus of claim 3, wherein the drive shaft coupling comprises aratchet and pawl, and an inner surface of the roller tube comprises gearteeth.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, wherein the gear teeth are disposedon the roller tube via an additional coupling.
 6. The apparatus of claim3, further comprising a crown coupling connected to the roller tube andforming a disk with a cutout, wherein the drive shaft coupling is anelongated member positioned within the disk cutout and having an endconnected to the drive shaft to rotate the roller tube.
 7. The apparatusof claim 6, further comprising: a sensor to sense when a first surfacein the cutout separates from a first surface of the drive shaft couplingwhile the motor is running; and motor control electronics to receivesignals from the sensor and to shut-off the motor upon determining thatthe first surface in the cutout has separated from the first surface ofthe drive shaft coupling while the motor is running
 8. The apparatus ofclaim 7, further comprising an additional sensor in circuit with themotor electronics, to sense when a second surface in the cutoutseparates from a second surface of the drive shaft coupling while themotor is running, wherein the motor is reversible between a right-handedand a left-handed configuration.
 9. (canceled)
 10. The apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the drive shaft coupling comprises a one-way rollerbearing to impede the motor from applying torque in the second directionand further comprising a crown coupling connecting an outer race of theone-way roller bearing to the roller tube.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1,wherein the drive shaft coupling is to impede the motor from applyingtorque above a threshold level in the first direction, the thresholdlevel being at or above a level required to raise the material.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 11, wherein the drive shaft coupling substantiallyprevents the motor from applying torque above a threshold level in thefirst direction, the threshold level being at or above a level requiredto raise the material.
 13. The apparatus of claim 12, wherein the driveshaft coupling comprises a slip-clutch positioned around an outer raceof the bearing, wherein the slip-clutch is to slip at the thresholdtorque level.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13, wherein the drive shaftcoupling comprises a spring positioned about the slip-clutch.
 15. Theapparatus of claim 14, further comprising a crown coupling connected tothe roller tube and which communicates rotation from the drive shaftcoupling to the roller tube.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15, wherein: theslip-clutch and the spring include a cavity; and the crown couplingincludes a tang projecting into the cavity; wherein the drive shaftcoupling is to communicate motor rotation to the crown coupling unlessat least one of: the slip-clutch slips against the bearing; or an outerrace of the bearing rolls with respect to the drive shaft.
 17. Theapparatus of claim 1, excluding a limiter system which requires settingtop and bottom winding points.
 18. The apparatus of claim 1, comprisingat least one of a current based overload system or torque based overloadsystem to stop the motor upon sensing strain in a winding direction. 19.The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the motor is powered by a timed pulseof power; and further comprising: an end cap, fixedly connecting themotor to a first end of the rotating member, the end cap removablyseating the drive shaft coupling against the drive shaft; a stationarydrive ring, removably connected to an architectural opening, a portionof the drive ring to be removably positioned within the end cap,radially between an outer surface of the end cap, and the spring of thedrive shaft coupling; wherein: the slip-clutch and spring include acavity; and the portion of the drive ring within the end cap includes atang projecting into the cavity; wherein the drive shaft coupling is tocommunicate motor rotation to the drive ring to rotate the rotatingmember and motor about the drive ring, unless at least one of: theslip-clutch slips against the bearing; or an outer race of the bearingrolls with respect to the drive shaft.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19,further comprising vibration isolators connecting the motor to the endcap.
 21. The apparatus of claim 19, comprising: a tube bracket removablyconnected to a wall bracket at the architectural opening; wherein thedrive ring is fixedly connected to the tube bracket.
 22. The apparatusof claim 19, further comprising a slip-ring to connect a wire to themotor to power the motor.
 23. The apparatus of claim 22, furthercomprising a stationary bracket, the stationary bracket to expose firstand second contacts, the first and second contacts being electricallyinsulated from each other and respectively defining a hot contact and aneutral contact; the slip-ring comprises a rotating housing fixedlyconnected to the roller tube so as to rotate therewith; the rotatinghousing includes first and second conducting members, the first andsecond conducting members being electrically insulated from each other,and respectively wired to a hot contact and a neutral contact on themotor; wherein when the apparatus is removably installed in thearchitectural opening; the first contact and the first conducting memberare removably biased into contact; the second contact and the secondconducting member are removably biased into contact; and the motor iselectrically connected to the architectural opening.
 24. (canceled) 25.The apparatus of claim 24, wherein the drive shaft coupling comprises aone-way roller bearing which substantially prevents the motor fromgenerating torque in the second direction. 26-28. (canceled)
 29. Aarchitectural opening covering apparatus comprising: a rotatable memberthat is a driven shaft; a covering of pleated fabric mounted to therotatable member and coupled to a lift cord; a motor having a driveshaft which is capable of rotating the rotatable member in a firstdirection to raise the covering by rotating a lift spool coupled to thelift cord and in a second direction opposite the first direction tolower the covering by rotating the lift spool; and a drive shaftcoupling substantially preventing the motor from applying torque in thesecond direction.
 30. A architectural opening covering apparatuscomprising: a rotatable member; a covering mounted to the rotatablemember; a motor having a drive shaft which is capable of rotating therotatable member in a first direction to raise the covering and in asecond direction opposite the first direction to lower the covering; anda one-way roller bearing to impede the motor from applying torque in thesecond direction.